'Resident Evil 6' might just give horror fans a chill

Resident Evil 6 is a vast improvement over previous versions of the game. (Courtesy photo)

"Resident Evil 6"

From: Capcom

Rated: M

Who's it for: Those looking for a good introduction to the series

Console: Xbox 360/PS3

Grade: B+

"Resident Evil 6" is a lot like Colorado's weather -- if you don't like the way it plays, just wait five minutes and it will change.

The sixth version of the survival-horror series deviates from the past couple of entries by offering not one but three campaigns, intersecting narratives that feature characters mostly familiar to longtime fans.

Each story features different styles of game play. This keeps the game fresh and interesting but sometimes poses its own problems. Of the three sections, only one offers the classic "Resident Evil" style of slowly moving you through the level while you try to survive the horrors thrown at you.

The other two scenarios are much faster paced with guns a blazin' (as well as rocket launchers and other assorted munitions), and while the action is generally satisfying, "Resident Evil 6" ceases to feel like a horror game, which is disappointing.

When you get into the nuts and bolts of the game, the improvements over "Resident Evil 5" are astonishing.

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Capcom finally did away with the RC car controls that have plagued the series since Day One. I never enjoyed fighting the game's controls along with its zombies, and as far as I'm concerned, they will not be missed.

The new controls are silky smooth and responsive, which really helps when a horde of the undead is coming at you from all angles.

Also improved this time around is how the computer controls your companion when you play solo.

For those who don't remember, "Resident Evil 5" featured a campaign that included two characters. This was great if you wanted to play with a buddy, but the bad artificial intelligence made it impossible to enjoy the game on your own.

As one of the last game's harshest critics, I was disappointed when I heard each of this game's scenarios would include two characters, as well. Fortunately, this time around Capcom hired a live programmer, instead of one of the zombie extras, to polish up the AI.

The best part of the game is how the story emerges, twisting and turning between the various scenarios, filling gaps in one that another left behind. I won't relate many of the plot details here, as it would take several columns to make sense of things. But I will say one thing that should intrigue anyone: Zombie President of the United States.

After the past couple of games, it's nice to see a renewed focus on story and the effort to present it in a new way. Even when I had trouble getting through a section, I wanted to keep playing to find out what happens next.

Players who finish all three scenarios will be treated to a not-so-secret fourth scenario starring Ada Wong, the questionably good employee of Umbrella who helps the characters in the other game segments.

Where the game stumbles a bit is the way in which the action repeats itself. Players are forced to replay several of the game's most unenjoyable sequences several times. From a story standpoint it works, but it's just not fun.

A few sections suffer pacing problems, and the occasional wonky camera pops up now and then, but none of these are game breakers.

What ultimately stands out is the sheer quantity and diversity of game play, and somehow they squeezed everything onto a single disc. Designers even added some online modes to keep you playing once the story has been exhausted.

While "Resident Evil 6" is not a perfect game, horror fans owe it to themselves to give this one a serious look.

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